Today is a special day. It's the type of day that is happy, but the kind that also makes living states away from my family seem really, really lame.
Today is my mom's birthday.
A few weeks ago there was a surprise party for her. I missed that. Plane tickets are pricey and a cross country drive in cold, icy conditions didn't seem too smart. So I missed it.
But she is so very special. I need her to know and I need you all to know. See, my mom is great. I hope you have a great mom too. However, I'll always hold to the biased opinion that mine is best. I owe so much to my parents. They are responsible for making me into the person I've become. I sat down to make a list of some things that I've learned from Mom. What I discovered is that she taught me much more than cut and dry facts and skills. The things I do, the way I act, my totally-okay-with-being-an-oddball attitude...I owe a lot of that to her.
I've seen her over come obstacles and discrimination. I've seen how she knows she's different, and she's totally cool with it. She's shown me that health matters. I wouldn't love games so much if she hadn't taught me to play so many. She set an example of how to love unconditionally, through tough patches and bad moods and ill tempers. Susi Allender is a remarkable woman. I think any one who knows her will agree.
Derek and I made this video of 60 things she's taught us. You can watch it if you like. But mostly, just wish her happy birthday if you see her. And if you don't know her, at least give your own mom a call today and tell her that's she's amazing too.
